The burden of adult asthma in Finland: impact of disease severity and eosinophil count on health care resource utilization

Objective: To describe health care resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs in adult patients referred for specialist asthma care in Southwest Finland, by disease severity and blood eosinophil count (BEC). Methods: This non-interventional, retrospective registry study (GSK ID: HO-17-17558) utilized data from patients >18 years of age on the hospital register of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland. Data extraction was from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015; the index date was the first hospital visit within this period with an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis code for asthma or acute severe asthma. Patients were categorized by asthma severity (based on medication use) and BEC (= 300 cells/mu L). Total and asthma-related HCRU and estimated costs were recorded the year following index and for calendar years 2004-2015. Results: Overall, 14,398 patients were included; 388 had severe asthma at index. BEC was available for 3781 patients; 1434 had a BEC >= 300 cells/mu L and 2347 had a BEC = 300 cells/mu L). Patients with severe versus non-severe asthma had higher total- and asthma-related outpatient visits, inpatient days, emergency room visits and costs per patient year; those with BEC >= 300 cells/mu L versus Conclusion: This study demonstrated a substantial burden associated with severe and/or eosinophilic asthma for adults in Finland.</div

The Burden Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) In Finland: Impact Of Disease Severity And Eosinophil Count On Healthcare Resource Utilization

Purpose: The burden associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is substantial. The objectives of this study were to describe healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and HCRU-associated costs in patients with COPD in Finland, according to disease severity and blood eosinophil count (BEC).Patients and methods: This non-interventional, retrospective registry study (GSK ID: HO-17-17558) utilized data from the specialist care hospital register. Data extraction was from first hospital visit with a COPD diagnosis (index date) from January 1, 2004 until December 31, 2015 or death. Patients (aged >18 years with >= 1 report of post-bronchodilation forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio 50% or = 300 cells/mu L, Results: There were 9042 patients with COPD; 340 non-severe, 326 progressing, 394 severe, and 7982 clinically verified. BEC was available for 31.8% of patients. The mean follow-up time was 3.7-6.5 years in the classified patient-groups. All-cause mortality was 46% during follow-up. Severe COPD was associated with more COPD-related HCRU and higher mortality than non-severe COPD. Patients with BEC >= 300 cells/mu L had higher overall HCRU but improved survival compared with those with BEC Conclusion: This study demonstrated a substantial burden associated with severe and/or eosinophilic COPD for patients in Finland.</div